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Steven M. Grover II

Library Clerk
MLISc student at the University of Hawaii at Manoa

Area of Emphasis: Public Librarianship

I have been an active public library patron since I was a child. I love to browse the stacks, sometimes for more than an hour at a time.I regularly borrow books, movies and music CDs from the library, and use the Hawaii State Library System’s OPAC regularly both to reserve and browse materials electronically.

I want to gain experience in many aspects of librarianship. Cataloging, teen, children and reference librarianship all appeal to me. My long term goal is to get a high-level management position, but first I want to gain experience in these many aspects of librarianship so I can excel at leadership, since then I would have a better idea of others’ responsibilities and the difficulties they encounter.

I am currently a library clerk at a middle school library, and so I have a lot of experience working with young teens and pre-teens, and I have become familiar with their reading interests by working at the circulation desk for many years.

I also provide reference services to this age group and to teachers. Following-up on reference questions is an essential, but an often neglected service. I always ask patrons to come back for more help if they can’t find what they need, and follow them to the stacks when possible.

I know because of my years of experience as a library clerk, that technical expertise is vital for libraries. Computer skills, including web design and Internet and electronic database search skills, as well as knowledge of book repair and preservation, cataloging, and knowledge of advanced reference sources are all important for today’s librarian to help sustain the library’s viability. Focusing on these areas of technical expertise so I can better provide service to patrons in the future is a priority for me in the LIS program.  

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